Safety-first or shooting for the stars, the UK and US’s approaches to AI appear worlds apart. But can they come together? Paul Armstrong takes a look

Keir Starmer’s recent unveiling of the UK’s AI strategy was billed as a bold vision for Britain’s tech future. Yet, before the dust could settle, it was eclipsed by America’s sweeping ‘Project Stargate’, a $500bn initiative to dominate artificial intelligence development. The contrast between the two nations’ approaches isn’t just about budgets – it’s about ambition, scope and, crucially, the ability to lead on the global stage.

The UK’s plan, while completely commendable, is focused on “doing AI responsibly”. Labour has pledged a £14bn investment over the next decade, aiming to establish Britain as a hub for ethical AI. The emphasis is on regulation, oversight and making the UK the safest place in the world for AI innovation. If you think that rhetoric sounds unlikely to thrill the different generations coming into the workforce, you’re not alone.

Meanwhile, the US’s ‘Project Stargate’ dwarfs this vision. Backed by an initial $100bn in funding and a total budget projected to reach $500bn, the initiative is unapologetically aggressive. The figure is akin to the GDP of the UAE. The project prioritises scaling AI infrastructure, securing semiconductor supply chains and integrating AI into defence and critical industries. The US strategy doesn’t just aim to lead........

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